Paws to Reflect in Victoria

There is no doubt that owning a pet, particularly a dog, can be good for our health.

Chrismont Winery – King Valley

They not only provide us with companionship and unconditional love, it is widely accepted that people who own a dog are more likely to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, suffer less from depression and generally are more physically fit.

And it doesn’t end there. Walking your dog not only helps improve your physical health, it also provides social interaction with others, including fellow dog owners.

The constant love and companionship of a canine friend can help us live longer and healthier lives, so it’s not surprising that when it comes time for holidays, many people today would rather take their dog along than put it through the stress of placing it in a boarding kennel.

And let’s face it, if your dog is your travelling companion, there’ll be no arguments about where to dine or what places to visit.

Catering to the demand for dog-friendly accommodation, increasing numbers of B&Bs, caravan parks, homesteads, seaside cottages and high-country retreats are promoting themselves as pet-friendly and in a compact state like Victoria, that means there’s a holiday spot for you and your dog in all the major tourist regions.

Here are a few options to consider:

Great Ocean Road

Overlooking Cape Otway and the Southern Ocean, Blue Johanna Cottages near Lavers Hill, is located half-way between Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. Each cottage has its own secure courtyard, kennel and feeding bowls. 225 Blue Johanna Road, Johanna Heights

Glenaire Cottages in the hamlet of Glenaire are set amidst rolling hills, forest and farmland. Close to the Great Ocean Walk, the spa cottages with ocean views feature open log fires, covered verandahs and fenced-in yards. 3440 Great Ocean Road, Glenaire

Torquay

Anglesea Overboard Seaside Cottage is a cozy coastal retreat with great ocean views. The cottage is fully fenced to accommodate dogs, with a pet-friendly beach just a 350m walk away. 39C O’Donohues Road, Anglesea

Mornington Peninsula

Blue Moon Cottages are located on the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula in the coastal town of Rye. The award-winning cottages feature secure fencing for pets in the courtyards and gardens, kennels, and pet beach towels are available on request. 12 Blakiston Grove, Rye

Punt Hill Wines

Havana in Rye is a short distance from Rye beach. The accommodation features an outdoor entertaining area and fenced-in landscaped gardens with a deck, lounge area in a sand pit, hammocks, fire pit and a BBQ. Pets are allowed both indoors and out. 40 Beauna Vista Drive, Rye Grampians

The Mt Sturgeon Cottages at the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld accepts canine guests. The one bedroom dog-friendly cottage is located on the property’s working sheep station, where there is plenty of space for walks (with dogs on leads) and great views of Mt Sturgeon. 98 Parker Street, Dunkeld

South Mokanger Farm Cottages is located at the southern edge of the Grampians National Park. It has two self-contained, pet-friendly cottages with dog yards set amongst big red gum trees. There is also a 3km laneway walk on the farm. 728 Mokanger Road, Cavendish

High Country

Tyntynder Lodge in Bright has won Best Pet Friendly Accommodation in Australia for the past four years. Surrounded by gardens, the self-contained cottages are fully fenced and located on a tree-lined country lane beside the Ovens River. 4 Tyntynder Lane, Bright

GG’s by the River is home to alpacas, horses and sheep, and along with guests, well behaved pets are welcome, by arrangement. Guests can also bring their horse. Located in the Ovens Valley adjacent to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, the property offers luxury self-contained accommodation. Free bike use. 6132 Great Alpine Road, Eurobin

Belmont at Beechworth offers luxury self-contained accommodation within walking distance of historic Beechworth. The boutique, self-contained, two-bedroom accommodation will accept two small dogs, but they must be house-trained. It’s a short ride from the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Free bike use. 7 Williams Street, Beechworth

Goldfields

Shady Acres Caravan Park is Ballarat’s only pet-friendly caravan park. The park is set on 13 acres of shaded bushland on the outskirts of the historic town. A great place to relax with your four-legged mate. 9435 Western Highway, Ballarat

The Little Bird House is a beautifully renovated 1950′s cottage located two kilometres from Bendigo. The two bedroom cottage has a secure, big garden and courtyard, perfect for a guest dog, by arrangement. 58 Chum Street, Golden Square, Bendigo

Riverside Park – Swan Hill

Daylesford and Macedon Ranges

The historic Coach House is an 1800sqm lakefront property with plenty of open space for dogs to run around. The home dates back to 1854 and offers beautifully appointed bedrooms and bathrooms and can cater for up to 14 guests. 8 Leggatt Street, Daylesford

Greenfields offers a tranquil escape for up to eight guests. It is set on 40 acres of established gardens, with plenty of open grassy areas in which your dog can let off steam. 180 Mannings Road, Hepburn Springs

Author Spotlight

Vincent Ross

Vincent Ross has been a professional journalist for more than 40 years, working in newspapers, public relations, lifestyle magazines and digital media, both as an editor and copywriter, and as a freelance travel writer and ... Read Full Profile